Illinois lawmaker wants to expand speed camera use

BELLEVILLE — A southwestern Illinois lawmaker wants communities around the state to be able install speed cameras, which are only allowed in Chicago.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports Rep. Jay Hoffman has introduced legislation that'd allow communities of all sizes to install the devices.

Legislation signed by the governor in 2012 limited speed cameras to cities with at least 1 million residents, making the statute apply solely to Chicago.

Hoffman is a Belleville Democrat. He says he wants "one uniform law for the whole state."

Speed cameras are only allowed in designated safety zones — areas near a school or a park. Drivers caught by the cameras can face $100 fines. Money generated from the tickets can only be used for public safety initiatives, construction or infrastructure maintenance.

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